Big Sur Wedding & Elopement Photographer
A seamless blend of documentary storytelling & editorial artistry.
My goal is to create space for you to feel relaxed, present, and fully yourselves, so that your connection, and the genuine emotion and energy of the day, are what shine through in your images. I’ll be there not to create moments or overproduce your wedding, but to document it with a calm, observant, and honest eye. When it adds to the story, I gently weave in intentional direction, bringing an editorial approach to light, composition, and artistry that elevates your images without ever feeling forced. The result is a collection of photographs that reflects your love, the people who matter most, and the small, meaningful details that make your day uniquely yours.
“The photos are not just images; they tell the story of our love in the most beautiful way.”
She is so incredibly talented and was such a joy to work with. Carrie's communication was outstanding. Always prompt in her responses, she made sure to understand our vision and preferences. Her clear and friendly communication style made the planning process enjoyable and efficient. She guided us through every step, offering invaluable suggestions for locations, timing, and even connecting us with other reliable vendors. Her attention to detail ensured a seamless and stress-free day including help with location permits and liability insurance.
Carrie is truly exceptional. Her ability to capture the natural beauty of Big Sur and the intimate moments between us was nothing short of magical. The photos are not just images; they tell the story of our love in the most beautiful way. We are grateful to Carrie for turning our elopement into a day we will cherish forever. Thank you for your talent, professionalism, and genuine care.
— Elliott & Liv
Best Big Sur Elopement Locations
Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast featuring mountain views, rocky cliffs, beaches, and redwood forests. My favorite wedding days include a mix of these types of scenery! In addition to the natural beauty of the landscapes, Big Sur offers a range of unique, luxury accommodations that make great spaces to get ready for your wedding day and even host a post-ceremony celebration.
Here are some of my top location recommendations:
I offer in-depth location assistance to couples who book with me as each location has different photo and ceremony spots to choose from.
Getting Married in Big Sur
MARRIAGE LICENSE
To legally get married in Big Sur you’ll need a California marriage license ($61) obtained in person at the County Clerk’s Office within 90 days of your wedding date. For your ceremony, you’ll need an officiant, at least one witness, and the signed license must be returned within 10 days.
SYMBOLIC CEREMONY
An alternative to doing the legal paperwork on your wedding day is to have a symbolic ceremony instead. Many couples traveling for their elopement opt to legally get married at their local courthouse before or after their trip to Big Sur where they celebrate and share their vows. This avoids having to plan a visit to the County Clerk during your trip.
PERMITS
Depending on your elopement location, you may need to purchase a special use permit to have your ceremony there. The price of these depend on the specific location, the size of your group, and if you plan to have any type of setup. These are typically only a few hundred dollars.
If I’m your photographer, I will help you out here! You are responsible for applying for any necessary ceremony permits, but I’m familiar with the process and will help you get it started.
TIME OF YEAR & WEATHER
Big Sur is beautiful year-round, however there are things to consider with each season. Summer is the busiest with tourism, having the highest likelihood of warm, sunny days. This means places on public land (like the state parks and beaches) will be busier and prices for travel and accommodations may be higher. Winter will have the least amount of crowds but the highest chance of rain. Spring is one of my favorite times of year due to the wildflowers and greenery along the coast, however there is always a chance of rain. Fall is another favorite season, when the summer crowds begin to die down, however the days may still be pretty warm.
An important thing to note is that no matter the season, the weather in this area can be very unpredictable from day to day and even from one location to another on the same day. I’ve experience extremely warm and sunny December days here as well as gloomy, rainy July days. I recommend picking a date that will give you the best chances of your desired weather, but be prepared for anything!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! All wedding collections include complimentary film photography. You can expect an intentional selection of 35 mm film images delivered along with your digital gallery.
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I believe in quality over quantity, however I don’t put a limit on number of photos I deliver. You will receive an intentional collection of the best photos from the day. This usually ends up being 50 - 100 photos per hour of coverage.
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After your retainer, your remaining balance will be split into 2 to 4 payments, with the final due 30 days before your date.
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I will send an initial preview of your photos within 72 hours of your wedding, then 6 - 7 weeks later, you’ll receive your final gallery!
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Yes! The two main areas I assist with during the planning process are location scouting/research and timeline building. I’m also happy to share vendor and accommodation recommendations and assist with permits when needed.
I do not book any services on your behalf or do any day-of duties like setting up decor, managing guests and vendors, coordinating supply pickups, etc. If you’re looking for someone to manage those types of tasks, I can send over some amazing planner recommendations!
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Yes! During your dedicated portrait time, I will provide gentle guidance with posing so that you feel confident, comfortable, and natural. Throughout the rest of your day, I encourage staying present and letting moments unfold without over-directing.